Border Mail – Round 18 – Preview

BK: You need two more goals to bring up 100 for Henty this season. No doubt you would like to get them early against Rand-Walbundrie-Walla in the final round at Henty on Saturday?

BK: You’ve kicked 100 twice before haven’t you?

DC: Yep, for Ouyen United in 2013 and then Southern Districts in the Northern Territory over the Christmas period. That was a really good year too.

BK: Henty and yourself seem to have been a good fit?

DC: We have which is why I’ve already committed for next season. They are a great bunch of people who look after me really well. I couldn’t see a reason to leave. It’s one of the best clubs I’ve played for. My parents and uncle will be coming up for the game on Saturday. They have been to four or five games already this year.

BK: You kicked 10 against Lockhart last weekend. Apparently Daniel Cox gave you some pretty good supply.

DC: I’ve known Daniel since Southern Districts in the under 18s. This year has been like a breakout season for him. He’s been huge with his speed and the way he just breaks games open. My eyes definitely light up when he’s running down the middle of the ground with the ball.

BK: After going goal for goal with Trent Castles all season, you have jumped eight clear late in the season. Has it been competitive between you two?

DC: It’s been good fun. We have both kicked a few I guess. He will probably come out and kick 12 on Saturday or something like that to get there first.

BK: You live in Shepparton. Where do you train?

DC: At Ardmona. I’ve got a few mates there and they have been fantastic in helping me get fitter as the season has gone on.

BK: You’ve played through the midfield a lot yourself. How has the transition to full-forward been?

DC: I’ve played there for a few years now. It’s not as harsh on your body which is good at my age. As I said before, a good midfield makes it a lot easier.

BK: At 36, no retirement plans then?

DC: Not yet, I’m still feeling good and enjoying it.

BK: How have you found the Hume league?

DC: I’ve found it really competitive. The top seven sides are pretty even and even the bottom sides have won three games. It’s not like other leagues. Sides like Lockhart and BiIlabong Crows are only two or three players off being good sides. It’s a lot more even than the Ovens and Murray.

BK: Tell us about your inter-league experience at Howlong earlier in the season when you kicked your 1000^th career goal

DC: It was magic. Being an old bloke in footy terms, it was a really memorable day. The boys really helped me celebrate my 1000th goal. It was quite overwhelming as I didn’t expect that reaction at all. I’ll remember it for a long time.

BK: A lot of people were surprised that you drove from Melbourne that week to train. You must have been keen to play?

DC: Definitely. I think it’s your duty to play rep footy when you can. I just wanted to be involved and help out in any way I could. I enjoyed the whole week.

BK: You came up to the Ovens and Murray’s Hall of Fame earlier this season when your old coach Travis Hodgson was inducted. You must have had a lot of respect for him?

DC: For sure. He coached me at North Albury and Bacchus Marsh and we still talk a few times every week. Joel Price, Matt McDonald and Dan Leslie were there. It was grouse. He’s a ripper and someone I’ve always had a lot of respect for.

BK: Steve Hetherton was the last Henty player to kick 100 goals in 1996 and Peter Murray did the same before him in 1990. What will it mean to you?

DC: It will mean a lot. Obviously the most important thing is that we win but kicking 100 goals in a season is definitely something to look back on. Hopefully I’ve got a few more left in me this season.

BK: Good luck